Miami Heat's LeBron James missed pre-game intros before

WASHINGTON, D.C. — — Heat forward LeBron James took criticism from fans for skipping the pregame introductions Tuesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Many felt James was avoiding facing the fans of his former team, but Heat spokesman Tim Donovan said James had done it a few times this season. The last time it happened was before Sunday's game against the Houston Rockets.

James did not address the subject Wednesday, but did respond to questions after the Cleveland loss.

"I was just using the restroom," James said. "Am I allowed to do that?"

James disappeared during the national anthem before resurfacing after the introductions were completed.

Miller out; Jones ailing

Forward Mike Miller miss his second straight game with a bruised right knee. Miller sustained the injury during Sunday's win against the Houston Rockets, but coach Erik Spoelstra said he is making progress.

The Heat will continue to evaluate Miller through the rest of the road trip. They play at Minnesota on Friday and in New Jersey on Sunday.

"He's feeling better than he did Tuesday]," Spoelstra said. "It's starting to calm down a little bit. We'll see how he feels [Thursday]."

Swingman James Jones was in the lineup despite battling a stomach virus. Jones began experiencing symptoms after Tuesday's loss in Cleveland. He did not travel on the team plane to Washington out of fear of passing the virus to teammates.

Jones, who dealt with dehydration, rejoined the team a few hours before the tip-off.

James endorses Rose

Earlier this season, James backed New York Knicks center Amar'e Stoudemire for league MVP. With a few weeks left before the playoffs, things have changed.

James said Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose is his choice. Rose is generally regarded as the top candidate, with the Bulls on pace to earn the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Rose has kept the Bulls afloat despite injuries to Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah.

"I think Derrick Rose," James said. "What he's done for that team, with all the injuries they have and them being first in the Eastern Conference. They're playing some really good basketball."

James said he was leaning toward Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki until he was injured. Now, he's in full support of Rose.

"You've got some guys here that have done their job also," James said. "But Derrick Rose definitely has gotten a lot of the exposure and a lot of the media attention because of the work he's done. He's playing some unbelievable basketball."

James maintained his stance of the Heat not having a serious candidate because he and Wade have canceled each other out.

"That's not for me to determine," James said. "I just go out there and do my job. And right now, statistically, it's probably one of the best years I've had. I'm right up there in wins. But we'll see. The media kind of controls it."

Bibby impresses

Guard Mike Bibby made his fifth start in place of the injured Mario Chalmers. Bibby scored a season-high 23 points, including seven 3-pointers, against the Cavs on Tuesday. But Spoelstra said his biggest impact has been as a facilitator.

"It's not just about making shots," Spoelstra said. "That's the first thing people look at … but he organizes you offensively."

Chalmers is at least a week away from returning. Spoelstra said there are no immediate to plans to make Bibby the permanent starter, but he will evaluate it when the time arrives.